Outside.
Dawn quietly crossed the horizon, sunlight piercing the night.
However, Yao Ming and the Great Elder of Azure Mountain were still waiting on the altar.
Looking at Chen Xiao, who sat motionless like a departed monk, the Great Elder of Azure Mountain was fine, but Yao Ming couldn't hide the anxiety in his brows.
Although having a soul at the Heavenly Realm offered a chance to pass the trial, and Chen Xiao was at the peak of his momentum after his breakthrough, he was still only in the early Heavenly Realm. No one could be sure if he would truly succeed.
"Brother Chen Xiao, will he..."
"He won't."
Before Yao Ming could finish, Azure Mountain interrupted without even looking up.
Due to their close relationship, the Great Elder of Azure Mountain knew of some of Chen Xiao's methods that he hadn't used in front of others.
For example, in the Ancient Emperor's Cave Mansion space, after absorbing the soul origin, Chen Xiao used a soul combat skill in front of the Old Dragon Emperor.
Using it at the peak of the Spiritual Realm had earned him the Old Dragon Emperor's praise. Now that Chen Xiao had advanced further, it would undoubtedly be even more terrifying if he were to use it again.
Therefore, the Great Elder of Azure Mountain was quite confident in Chen Xiao's safety.
Looking at the composed Great Elder, Yao Ming opened his mouth but had nothing to say. He could only suppress his impatience and calm himself to wait for Chen Xiao to emerge.
And this wait, in the blink of an eye, another half an hour passed.
Just as Yao Ming was about to lose patience and speak again, the stone tablet suddenly erupted with a strong beam of light. Under this light, a soul figure rapidly flew out from within, and finally, under their gaze, it merged into the figure sitting on the stone stool.
"Cough, cough..."
Chen Xiao, who had been sitting on the stone stool with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them. His complexion turned pale almost instantly, and his violent coughing revealed a sense of weakness.
The injuries from the soul power clash were finally manifesting.
"Brother Chen Xiao, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, just need to rest for a while." Chen Xiao caught his breath and waved his hand.
Although he had sustained some injuries, the excitement in his eyes was hard to conceal.
The gains from this time were immense!
The Demonic Sage's essence blood alone was something he couldn't digest at the moment.
Not to mention the bonus of the Three Ultimate Yellow Springs techniques.
With three more Heavenly-tier combat skills, Chen Xiao's usable Heavenly-tier combat skills were approaching ten, which was more than enough even without further advances.
"Brother Chen Xiao, did you succeed?" Noticing Chen Xiao's expression, Yao Ming's face also showed a flicker of anticipation.
"It was a close call, but the residual soul in the stone tablet has dissipated." Chen Xiao nodded in reply.
He had already obtained the Demonic Sage's essence blood, and the Nine Nether Earth Nether Python clan no longer had a reason to stubbornly pursue the trial. To prevent the Yellow Springs Demonic Sage from being disturbed and wasting its power, Chen Xiao had concealed some information.
"Bang!"
Just as Chen Xiao finished speaking, the stone tablet in front of him suddenly let out a dull thud.
The next moment, the three of them saw that above the original finger and palm imprints, a mouth-shaped pattern slowly appeared, and a strange fluctuation was quietly emanating from it.
"Yellow Springs Heavenly Wrath!"
Looking at the mouth-shaped pattern, Yao Ming was stunned at first, then his face filled with ecstasy. He quickly sat down cross-legged, and his soul power rapidly spread out.
But as soon as his soul power touched the mouth shape, before he could even receive the vast information contained within, an extremely powerful soul impact fiercely struck his soul.
"Pfft!"
This fierce blow directly caused Yao Ming to spit out a mouthful of blood. His body was also shaken and sent flying backward, finally falling ungracefully down the towering steps.
A moment later, he flew back with a disheveled appearance and a pale face, landing back in his original spot under the amused gazes of Chen Xiao and the Great Elder of Azure Mountain.
"Uh, I've made you two laugh. My soul power still hasn't met the requirements to cultivate Yellow Springs Heavenly Wrath."
Facing the strange looks from Chen Xiao and the Great Elder, Yao Ming could only shake his head with a wry smile, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth. He felt a bit embarrassed, but more so, regretful.
When he didn't have the cultivation method, he yearned for it constantly. Now that the cultivation method had appeared, he was unqualified to cultivate it...
Thinking about it this way, it seemed even more torturous!
Fortunately, as long as the cultivation method was here, with the vast population base of the Nine Nether Earth Nether Python clan, there would eventually be a few anomalies who met the conditions, which would also be beneficial to Yao Ming as the clan leader.
"Clan Leader Yao Ming, there's no need to rush. The cultivation method for Yellow Springs Heavenly Wrath is already inscribed on the stone tablet. You can cultivate it later when you meet the requirements." Chen Xiao casually comforted him, looking at Yao Ming's face, which was even paler than his own.
"It's difficult! I'm already in the late stage of a two-star Dou Sheng. My Dou Qi is definitely not a problem, but my soul is a difficult weakness to compensate for. By the time I reach that condition, I don't know how many years it will take. It seems I have no destiny with this Yellow Springs Heavenly Wrath."
Yao Ming sighed, seeming somewhat resigned.
"Not necessarily. Your current situation is actually due to your beast race's lack of emphasis on soul cultivation. If you start dedicating more energy to strengthening your soul from now on, the future is promising."
Chen Xiao pondered for a moment before continuing, "I have a copy of the 'Nine Nether Soul Codex' here. If you're interested, I can pass it on to you."
Upon hearing this, Yao Ming was stunned.
The 'Nine Nether Soul Codex' paired with the Nine Nether Earth Nether Python clan was indeed a perfect match.
However, he could also discern Chen Xiao's implied meaning: if he chose this 'Nine Nether Soul Codex,' then the Demonic Sage's essence blood would no longer be his. This made Yao Ming somewhat conflicted.
After thinking it over, even if Chen Xiao was generous and willing to share a portion of the Demon Saint's essence blood, there was no telling how much he would actually receive. It could be a tenth, or even less; the decision rested entirely with Chen Xiao.
At best, this bit of essence blood could help him reach the Three-Star Dou Sheng.
On the other hand, if he obtained the "Nine Nether Soul Codex," it would compensate for his soul deficiencies, thus qualifying him to cultivate the Yellow Springs Heavenly Wrath.
At that point, even if he were only at the late stage of Two-Star Dou Sheng, he would still be unafraid of facing a Three-Star Dou Sheng!
More importantly, this "Nine Nether Soul Codex" was not a consumable like the Demon Saint's essence blood; it could enhance the foundation of a clan.
With these thoughts, Yao Ming had an answer in his heart.
"Then thank you, Brother Chen Xiao!"
Chen Xiao shook his head slightly, unconcerned.
The value of any item was closely related to one's own level.
This "Nine Nether Soul Codex" had once been very valuable to him, and he had considered it the most precious thing he possessed.
But now, it was just average.
Including the Snake People tribe under Cai Lin, the East Dragon Island governed by Zi Yan, and even the inner and outer disciples and elders of the Zi Xiao Pavilion, all had the opportunity to cultivate this soul cultivation technique. Chen Xiao had long ago decided not to hoard it.
After all, he now had the even more precious "Heavenly Wind Soul Codex."
Without further thought, a soul fluctuation arose from Chen Xiao's brow, and he pointed a finger towards Yao Ming's forehead.
A short while later, Yao Ming slowly opened his eyes.
"Thank you!"
Yao Ming cupped his fists again. Chen Xiao had directly transmitted the cultivation technique into his mind, which would undoubtedly help him gain more control over the Nine Nether Underworld Python clan.
In the future, anyone in the clan who wished to cultivate this technique would have to go through him.
Chen Xiao shook his head slightly and was about to speak when he saw an elder of the Nine Nether Underworld Python clan appear in the distance, clearly coming to find Yao Ming.
"Clan Leader Yao Ming, if you have something to attend to, please go ahead. Elder and I will take another look at this Yellow Springs Stone Tablet and then take our leave. Also, please ask Clan Leader Yao Ming to tell your tribesmen not to disturb the Nine Nether Yellow Springs."
"Alright, after I finish with my business, I will definitely visit the Zi Xiao Pavilion and share some drinks with Brother Chen Xiao."
Chen Xiao nodded.
His reminder was actually well-intentioned.
Chen Xiao had spent more than half a day setting up the Nine Nether Yellow Springs, exhausting all the means he could currently employ. The killing formations were dense, allowing entry but not exit.
It was one thing if the Nine Nether Underworld Python clan was unaware, but now that he had warned them, anyone who dared to disturb it again would have only themselves to blame if they died.
Moreover, as soon as the formation was triggered, Chen Xiao would be able to detect it immediately.
Watching Yao Ming fly away, Chen Xiao turned his gaze back to the Yellow Springs Stone Tablet.
"That Yellow Springs Great Sage isn't dead?" Elder Qingshan asked, full of surprise at Chen Xiao's actions.
"He had already perished long ago, but his residual soul has not yet dissipated. I had a discussion with him and plan to try and save him."
Chen Xiao was much more candid with Elder Qingshan.
After answering truthfully, Chen Xiao strode forward to the stone tablet, flipped his palm, and took out a jade bottle from his storage ring.
Inside the jade bottle, one could see yellowish light spots, like mutated fireflies, drifting about freely.
This item was none other than the Spirit Nurturing Dust!
Without hesitation, Chen Xiao opened the jade bottle, took out ten grains of Spirit Nurturing Dust, and flicked them onto the stone tablet.
As soon as the Spirit Nurturing Dust touched the stone tablet, it was like a pebble falling into water, quietly sinking in with ripples.
At the same time, the voice of the Yellow Springs Demon Saint echoed in Chen Xiao's mind.
"Thank you, little friend!"
Chen Xiao chuckled, cupped his fists slightly towards the stone tablet, and then did not linger, leaving with the Great Elder.
...
Having safely left the Beast Domain, Chen Xiao's trip was considered a complete success.
Hovering high in the sky, looking at the rippling forest sea below, Chen Xiao felt a surge of emotion.
Every time he came to the Beast Domain, he always reaped significant rewards.
This place was truly a blessed land.
However, the next time he came, it should be when Cai Lin emerged from her seclusion.
"Chen Xiao, are we returning directly to the Zi Xiao Pavilion next?" Elder Qingshan asked.
Chen Xiao thought for a moment and shook his head slightly, "Great Elder, I have a few minor matters to attend to, so I won't be returning yet."
"Do you require my accompaniment?" Qingshan did not ask for details, merely wanting to ascertain if there was any danger.
"I won't trouble Great Elder this time. I should be able to handle it. Oh, right, here is a portion of Demon Saint's essence blood, which should be useful to Great Elder."
Chen Xiao smiled, refused the Great Elder's kind offer, and then took out a jade bottle from his storage ring, handing it over.
When he left the Yellow Springs Stone Tablet, Chen Xiao had briefly considered dividing that mass of Demon Saint's essence blood into five portions for later use.
The Great Elder of Qing Shan accompanied him all the way and even lent a hand multiple times. Chen Xiao didn't feel any heartache from giving him a portion.
Looking at the jade bottle floating before him, even with the Great Elder of Qing Shan's composure, his heart couldn't help but feel a slight warmth.
The essence blood of a Half-Emperor expert was something no Dou Sheng, unless they were at a dead end in their cultivation, could remain indifferent to.
However, considering that this was something Chen Xiao had painstakingly obtained, and thinking of their relationship, the Great Elder of Qing Shan still reluctantly averted his gaze.
"You keep it. With the current turmoil in the Central Continent, it's hard to say when the Violet Cloud Pavilion might get caught up in it. Not just you, but those around you also need to improve their strength to have a foundation for survival."
"Great Elder, please don't refuse. As for Xian'er and the others, I naturally have preparations for them as well."
Chen Xiao smiled, flipped his palm, and another four jade bottles appeared.
Seeing this, the Great Elder of Qing Shan smiled with relief and finally stopped being coy, storing the jade bottle before him into his storage ring.
Currently, the Old Dragon Emperor was unable to break free, and Zi Yan was in the critical period of absorbing the energy of the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit. The Eastern Dragon Island still had to rely on them, the elders, to support it.
Perhaps, one day, they would be sought out by the other three Dragon Kings.
Therefore, as a precaution, the Great Elder of Qing Shan's strength advancing further was all benefit and no harm.
Moreover, with greater strength, he could help Chen Xiao even more.
"I've really benefited from you this time," the Great Elder said with a sigh, chuckling lightly. "Since you're not returning to the Violet Cloud Pavilion, we'll part ways here. If you encounter any trouble you can't handle, feel free to send me a message anytime."
"Yes, I will."
Watching the Great Elder of Qing Shan's figure disappear, Chen Xiao didn't rush. He landed directly on a mountain peak below.
The harvest from this trip was immense, and he needed to organize his thoughts a bit.
The Demon Saint's essence blood was very precious, but precisely because it was too precious, using it to improve his Dou Zun realm cultivation would be somewhat wasteful.
Furthermore, he still had to consider whether he could digest it.
Therefore, absorbing the essence blood wasn't an immediate priority.
"Pre-emptive information..."
Chen Xiao's mind moved, and the pre-emptive information immediately appeared in his mind.
[Current Pre-emptive Opportunities -
Technique: (0/1)
Natural Treasures: (0/1)
General: (1/1)]
[Pre-emptive follow-up for Spirit Nurturing Dust Pill Recipe: Obtain within the Tianbei Ruins.]
[Pre-emptive follow-up for Nine-Colored Raw Stone -
① Go to the Huangfeng Valley, a hidden sect in the Central Continent, and obtain it from their elder, Duanmuyang.
② Go to the Sound Valley and obtain it from their disciple, Floro.
③ Head to the southern part of the continent, the territory of the Tianming Clan.
④ Go to the Sacred Dragon Sect, a hidden sect on the coast of the East Sea, and obtain it from their elder, Hua Yunfei.]
'Looking' at these pieces of information, Chen Xiao quickly made a decision.
Currently, there were only three items he wanted to pre-emptively obtain.
Bodhi Heart, Heaven-tier cultivation technique, and Ice Spirit Jade!
But he only had one pre-emptive opportunity left, so he had to make a choice.
The first item Chen Xiao ruled out was the Ice Spirit Jade. According to its description, it could be used to break through realms at the Dou Sheng stage.
And Chen Xiao was only an eight-star Dou Zun for now, so he couldn't use it yet.
As for the remaining Heaven-tier cultivation technique and Bodhi Heart...
Only children make choices; Chen Xiao wanted both!
Since one pre-emptive opportunity wasn't enough, completing a follow-up would refresh the opportunity, wouldn't it?
"I'll set aside the Tianbei Ruins for now and start with the Nine-Colored Raw Stone."
With his decision made, Chen Xiao immediately began to consider which follow-up would be easier to complete.
The southern part of the continent and the coast of the East Sea were too far away, so he didn't choose them.
That left only the hidden sect Huangfeng Valley and the Sound Valley.
However, there was an awkward situation: Chen Xiao didn't know the locations of either Huangfeng Valley or the Sound Valley...
"It seems I'll have to make a trip to the Pill Region."
Thinking that Yao Chen and Xiao Yan had also been looking for the Sound Valley not long ago, Chen Xiao suddenly had an idea.
The same applied to Huangfeng Valley; Xuan Kongzi and the others had extensive experience, so asking them would definitely be correct.
Without further hesitation, Chen Xiao got up, oriented himself, and headed directly towards the Pill Region.
At the same time, he also murmured in his mind.
"Advance, Bodhi Heart!"
[Follow-up to Advancing Bodhi Heart: Find a way to obtain it from the ancient Bodhi tree.]
Unsurprisingly, this advance follow-up only had one option.
After all, the Dou Qi Continent couldn't find a second ancient Bodhi tree.
Soon, Chen Xiao also discovered that the Bodhi Heart he had advanced this time did not appear before him, but directly merged into his body.
Looking inward at this moment, in the area where his heart was located in his chest, a green heart, as clear and translucent as emerald, was suspended!
This was the legendary Bodhi Heart!
A true spiritual treasure born from the convergence of heaven and earth's spiritual energy!
As long as Chen Xiao refined it, he could gradually replace his fragile heart.
This way, even if his heart suffered a fatal blow one day, there was a high probability he could save his life.
Moreover, the power that the Bodhi Heart could provide was far stronger than his previous heart, and it could also continuously nourish the soul, making the soul increasingly powerful. It could be said to have infinite miraculous uses!
Of course, while the benefits were immense, refining it would by no means be an overnight task.
The current Chen Xiao had only advanced it; he had not yet refined it at all.
Only through persistent effort, when the true refinement was achieved, would he have the opportunity to bypass the complicated stages of transcending the Nine Revolutions to become a Saint, or even reach the Half-Saint level, and step into the Saint level in one go!
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